Obituaries

Tilden P "Chip" Wright III

Photo of Tilden P "Chip" Wright III
Tilden P. "Chip" Wright III, 73, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born on September 10, 1942 in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Patricia Shane and Tilden P. Wright Jr. Chip graduated from Blytheville High School in 1960. He attended Georgia Tech from 1960 to 1962 and then the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, graduating with a B.S.B.A. in 1964. He was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1964 and received an honorable discharge in 1968 as a Captain, Regular Air Force. Chip received a J.D. with High Honors in 1971 from the University of Arkansas School of Law at Fayetteville. During law school, he was a member of Delta Theta Phi, serving as Vice-Dean, and was Comment Editor for the University of Arkansas Law Review. His distinguished law career began in 1971 and included his 1977 admission to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Chip was "A" rated (preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell and listed in Best Lawyers in America. He served on the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions, Civil, from 1986 to 1997 and was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, as well as a member of the American Bar Association, the Arkansas and Washington County Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute and the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel. His practice encompassed general civil litigation, including insurance defense, with a heavy emphasis on product liability as well as architect and engineer liability. In September 2006, he retired from the active practice of law, as a senior partner in Davis, Wright, Clark, Butt & Carithers, PLC. Chip was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Oscar Fendler. Chip is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Sturgeon Wright; son, Jeff Wright, of Rogers; daughter, Robyn Wright Green, and husband, Brian, of Devon, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren: Jordan, Austin and Alexa Wright of Rogers, and Aidan Green of Devon, Pennsylvania; and sister, Frances Fendler, of Little Rock. During his lifetime, Chip demonstrated an enduring spirit of commitment to family, work, and friends. He loved life and frequently captured special moments through his avid interest in photography. Chip was always eager to help others in need and generous with his time. When faced with challenges, he always found a way to overcome, move forward, and see the silver lining in every situation. He had a never ending curiosity that drove him to learn many things. Chip was a certified diver, enthusiastic boater, an incredible husband, father and grandfather. He always finished conversations with his family with the words "I love you." A visitation will be held at Nelson Berna Funeral Home, 4520 N Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016. A graveside memorial service will be held at Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1728 E Mission Blvd, Fayetteville, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charitable organization. Nelson Berna Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.nelsonberna.com.

Published March 3, 2016

Upcoming Events